Blu-ray and HD DVD (High Definition DVD) are two conflicting storage technologies for digital media like high definition movies, games and other audio visual material. There are a few other technologies emerging but it seems that these two rivals are the big players in the battle for home consumers hearts and minds. So what are they, which one is better and who is likely to win the latest technology format war.
Blu-ray was created by the Blu ray Disc Association, an association of major consumer electronics producers, like Sony and Panasonic, as a high capacity storage device to replace the standard DVD format. HD DVD was developed by the DVD forum, an alternative association of high tech electronics producers, including Toshiba and NEC, as their replacement of standard DVD.
Both work on the same principle. They use a blue laser with a shorter wavelength than the standard red laser of Dvd's and CD's (405 nm compared to 650 nm). This allows for more storage space on a disc. More storage is vital as high definition video becomes an industry standard in movies, TV and video games.
Latest information on the storage capacities of each format sees blu-ray out in front. A single layer blu-ray disc can store 25 GB compared to HD DVD of 15GB. A dual layer blu-ray can store 50 GB while the HD DVD stores 30 GB. This would suggest that blu-ray can store more detail and thus provide better extra features to movies etc. Although this is not completely true as video compression influences the amount of information stored on a disc, the capacity is a significant difference between the two formats.
Initial blu-ray discs stored data close to the surface of the disk. This meant that if the disc was scratched in any way it would probably malfunction or jam when playing. Apparently a protective layer has now been introduced to newer blu-ray disc that protects the data much more. HD DVD have always stored the data deeper in the disc and are resistant to most minor scratching and wear and tear.
Although the underlying technology is important in a format war, it is more often the case of the people supporting each format that has more influence on the outcome.
Again, it seems like blu-ray has the advantage.
Blu-ray is supported by consumer electronics companies Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Sharp and Pioneer and a number of others. This suggests that they will produce products that are exclusively devoted to using the blu-ray technology. The most recent instance of this is the Sony Playstation 3 that features a blu-ray disc player.
In terms of computer technology companies, blu-ray is supported by Apple, Dell, Sun Microsystems and Hewlett Packard. Their disk drives will use blu-ray.
Possibly more significant for people interested in home entertainment are the major movie companies supporting blu-ray. These are 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney and Warner Bros. Although Walt Disney and Warner Bros. are not supporting them exclusively and will produce movies in HD DVD format. At this point only Universal Pictures has an exclusive deal to produce HD DVD pictures.
On the HD DVD side possibly the biggest player is Microsoft. They have HD DVD readers in the X box games console and seem determined to throw their weight behind HD DVD.
Of the major consumer electronics companies, the most significant supporters of HD DVD are Toshiba, NEC and Kenwood.
In terms of computer component manufacturers, Intel is behind HD DVD.
Although it is still unclear who is winning the format war, it would seem that blu ray has some big supporters. Although HD DVD have some big names too, notably Microsoft. Prices of individual players and recording devices might also impact the success of each format. At this point most products are quite expensive but this will change with time.
Find reviews on the latest home theater components, including Home theater speakers at http://www.hometheaterreviewed.com Adrian Whittle writes reviews and features on home theater equipment and accessories.
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